Explosion Injures Three Near Monaco Border
An explosion at a residential building in Monaco has resulted in injuries to three individuals, with two reported to be in critical condition.
The incident took place shortly before 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT) following the discovery of a bag left outside the building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, located near the border with France.
Minister of State Christophe Mirmand informed AFP that the event was "very likely an attack" and that police are conducting an investigation.
He explained that the explosion was caused by an explosive device which appeared to contain bolts and pellets. The Monaco government reported that a suspect was captured on video surveillance fleeing towards France.
More than 100 police officers and emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.
"This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has taken place in the principality,"
Mirmand, the head of Monaco's government, stated.
Mirmand also told local media that two of the injured individuals sustained "life-threatening" injuries, though he did not reveal their identities. The Monaco government confirmed that all three injured persons were transported to a hospital in the nearby French city of Nice.
Monaco's Prince Albert II characterized the incident as a "heinous crime" and "a shock to the entire Monaco community."
He said "all concerned state services are currently being mobilised" in collaboration with the relevant French authorities.
Authorities are expected to provide an update on the situation on Tuesday local time.
